The enigmatic motivations behind Shanks stealing the Gomu Gomu no Mi continue to elude fans, but this theory might offer a fresh viewpoint.

One Piece kicks off in a whirlwind, presenting the vibrant relationship between a 7-year-old Monkey D. Luffy and a youthful Red-Haired Shanks. This connection is pivotal, instigating a series of crucial events within the One Piece universe. Without Shanks crossing paths with Luffy and subsequently pilfering the Gomu Gomu no Mi, we wouldn’t have the formidable Straw Hat Pirates, nor the powerful figure Luffy has become, striking fear into the hearts of the World Government.

Luffy and Shanks 12 years prior to the current timeline in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Many fans speculate that Shanks meeting Luffy wasn’t a mere chance encounter, but rather a calculated move that served the older man’s ambitions. While it appears that Luffy’s consumption of the Gomu Gomu no Mi stemmed from his boundless appetite, some fans argue that this was all part of Shanks’ broader strategy to secure the One Piece. Recent developments involving the awakening of Gear 5 have only intensified discussions, with many questioning whether Shanks had foreknowledge of this transformation as well.

Was Shanks Manipulating Luffy All Along?

Shanks saves Luffy from a Sea King, sacrificing his arm in the process. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Shanks has consistently displayed courageous and protective behavior towards Luffy, ranging from saving him from a Sea King to entrusting him with the Straw Hat that once belonged to Gol D. Roger. While these actions are undeniably heroic, some fans find them troubling in light of recent revelations regarding the Gomu Gomu no Mi’s true nature. It has surfaced that the World Government was concealing the fruit’s real power, and now Luffy stands as the next Joy Boy. So, why would Shanks keep such an influential Devil Fruit close to an ever-hungry boy?

it suggests two things that I like

1. He always knew gear 5 was a thing and Luffy wouldn’t be ready until he unlocked it.

2. He himself is so powerful that if he wanted to he could’ve been found the one piece but out of respect for luffy’s dream he deliberately chose not to.

— Geo (@Geo_AW) September 22, 2024

Theories abound regarding Shanks’ genuine intentions. Did he suspect that Joy Boy’s emergence was reliant on a specific individual, thereby targeting Luffy from the outset? Clues suggest that Shanks possesses knowledge beyond what he reveals; after all, he has interacted with the Five Elders without issue, raising the question of whether he foresaw Luffy’s potential as the next Joy Boy and orchestrated events accordingly.

Is Shanks Concealing His True Might?

Shanks entrusts Luffy with his Straw Hat. [Credit: Toei Animation]

It is evident that Eiichiro Oda has yet to unveil the full magnitude of Shanks’ abilities. He has hinted that the more frequently we encounter Shanks, the nearer we are to One Piece‘s conclusion. Despite his limited screen time, Shanks is a figure of immense strength and significance within the series. Notably, he does not wield a Devil Fruit yet commands tremendous respect and fear across the seas.

His intervention against Kaidou and pivotal presence at Marineford were significant moments, leading some fans to speculate that he passed the Gomu Gomu no Mi to Luffy to level the playing field for the quest for the One Piece.

I love the idea that Shanks waited until luffy unlocked gear 5 before pursuing the one piece simply because he wanted to make it a fair fight pic.twitter.com/ltghYBtNok

— Geo (@Geo_AW) September 22, 2024

If we accept that Shanks aimed for Luffy to rise as the next Pirate King by providing him with the Devil Fruit, one might wonder why he would intentionally empower his rival. It seems more plausible that unlocking the path to the One Piece hinges on awakening Joy Boy, and that only Luffy possesses the potential to achieve this. Ultimately, it’s up to Oda to disclose Shanks’ true intentions.